Two major commerce centers planned for Benton

by Elicia Dover

(KATV)-There was a ground breaking for a major business development in Benton Friday, bringing nearly 1,000 jobs to Saline County once fully developed. "We'll employ about 300 new people once the store is built," said Tim Brown, of the Kroger Delta Division.Kroger Marketplace and Academy Sports are the first to confirm to build on the land at I-30 and Highway 5, while Slim Chickens, Long Horn Steakhouse, Tide Dry Cleaners an urgent care clinic and other stores have letters of intent to develop there. Chuy's Mexican and Panda Express are also in talks to build at "Hurricane Creek Village." "You're going to hear about some additional stores and restaurants that are going to be joining the shopping center, probably being announced in the next three, four, five months," Mayor David Mattingly. Just down I-30 toward Benton, another area is being sought by the same developer. They are still acquiring the land, but once purchased, the "Benton Town Center" already has TJ Maxx, Bed Bath and Beyond, Ulta Beauty, Ross, Michael's and Dick's Sporting Goods with letters of intent. There are also many other restaurants in talks with the developers, including Cheddars, Red Lobster, Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabbas, Bonefish Grill, Raising Canes and Buffalo Wild Wings.

"I'd be less than truthful if I didn't tell you it's going to increase our sales tax, which is very important, gives an opportunity to do more things for our community, streets, parks," said Mattingly.